Description
Cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip blends festive flavors in one irresistible appetizer. Zesty pepper heat balances sweet cranberry notes, creating a perfect party starter for gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 bag 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped, then combine with sugar, lime juice, jalapenos, cilantro, and salt. Allow the mixture to macerate for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.
- Assemble Dip Base: Spread softened cream cheese evenly across a serving platter, creating a smooth, pristine foundation for the vibrant topping.
- Layer and Chill: Generously distribute the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, ensuring complete coverage that highlights the striking red relish against the white canvas. Wrap carefully and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the chilled dip with an inviting selection of crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable crudités, inviting guests to dive into this festive and zesty appetizer.
Notes
- Pulse Cranberries Strategically: Avoid over-processing to maintain a chunky, textured relish that provides delightful bite and visual appeal.
- Let Flavors Meld Completely: Allowing the cranberry mixture to rest 15-20 minutes helps ingredients develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is genuinely softened at room temperature for smooth, effortless spreading without tears or lumps.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free options, use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, or substitute jalapeños with mild green chilies for less heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 157
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg